Indian-American group learns to shoot after break-ins

After experiencing a rash of violent home invasions and robberies targeting their community, a group of Indian American men gathered Saturday at a North Fulton firing range to learn gun safety and for target practice.

The men said police can't always get there in time, and they want to be able to protect themselves.

Roswell police have charged seven Colombian nationals with one home invasion. They suspect they may be linked to several others.

The men gathering at the firing range Saturday said they fear there could be copycats out there.

• Asian-Indian community taking self-defense classes after home invasions
• Police say thieves targeting Indian community in N. Fulton County
• Arrests made in break-ins targeting Indian families

"This is my first time," Ashish Dhume said as he looked over a target sheet with several hits in the middle of the outline. "Some of our friends actually got robbed. We don't want to be victimized when we are at home.”
 
The men spent a couple of hours learning gun safety and the basics of shooting, then moved onto the target range, firing live weapons.
 
"I just wanted to see what it feels like and learn some safety issues, more than anything else, just in case I get into a situation," Nivelle Bilimoria said.
 
The men believe the suspects were targeting the wealthier Indian American community, because many families keep gold items in their homes.  Many in the community also are not used to owning guns.
 
"Indians seem to be adverse, probably culturally, but once you settle down in this country, you've got to adapt to the country," Dijjocam Raina said.
 
Raina said he hadn’t held a gun in 20 years, but now he plans on buying one and keeping it close for safety.
 
Ashish Dhume might buy one also. He felt better after just firing one for an hour or so on the range.
 
"I feel confident I can use the gun and protect myself," Dhume said.